You will complete an application that checks whether you meet the primary qualifications to become a Surrogate with us. Then, one of our coordinators will contact you to schedule a brief interview. This process also allows you to learn more about our program.
After the interview, a pre-screening process will take place that includes a comprehensive review of your pregnancy history and current health status. This is an important step to ensure that you meet the basic surrogacy qualifications. It also ensures that surrogacy is safe and right for you as well as your family.
The process entails reviewing medical records, checking background and a video call or home visit by a licensed social worker. The social worker may talk to you and your family members individually to know more about
- Your goals and motivations for becoming a Surrogate mother
- Fears or concerns over surrogacy
- Spouse or partner’s commitment to surrogacy
This meeting will help the social worker as well as the agency learn better about you and allows you to ask questions you may have.
At the same time the following checks will be done:
- General background
- Criminal background
- Child abuse background
- Social media
The initial interview session normally looks into your preferences regarding contact and types of families you would like to work with. The agency will align your preferences with those of your prospective Intended Parents to create a match.
Once a prospective Intended Parent chooses you, you and your family will have an option to meet the Intended Parents through video calling or in-person meeting. This allows both sides to know each other better and answer any questions you may have for each other. As an international surrogacy agency, we always have intended parents ready to start the process so there’s little wait time.
The later screening process deeply focuses into two components: psychological preparedness and comprehensive medical screening. Often, both of these take place simultaneously. You can also complete psychological screening from the convenience of your own home. The medical screening is done on-site at the IVF clinic you are matched with. Typically, you need to travel to the IVF clinic for a single screening appointment.
A variety of laboratory testing is performed here including sexually transmitted diseases and other communicable diseases along with certain viruses and infections that may affect your reproductive organs. You may also undergo an ultrasound to evaluate your uterus’ health and drug use screening. Your spouse/partner may also undergo screening for STD and drug use.
The IVF clinic will then send the screening results and issue a medical clearance letter. All travel related expenses taken care of by us.
After clearing the screening process, both you and the Intended Parent(s) will complete the legal processes with the help of their independent legal representation. The legal representative will assist you with drafting and negotiating the contract terms and any other legal needs. The legal process typically requires two to four weeks. The contract protects the rights and responsibilities of all parties before, during and after the pregnancy while clearly mentioning everyone’s expectations.
The next step is to prepare for pregnancy that will be accompanied with multiple fertility treatments, blood tests, injections and ultrasounds at the beginning of your pregnancy and throughout the embryo transfer process. The IVF experts will prescribe many medications, such as birth control pills and other hormones. These will help regulate/synchronize your cycle and prepare you for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
An IVF cycle calendar will be created that will include medication information, appointments, and major milestones. We will assign an IVF coordinator to instruct and help you with medications use. Throughout the IVF cycle, you will be monitored at a local facility to track progress as you prepare for the embryo transfer.
The embryo transfer takes place approximately four weeks after the start of your medication. You will have to bring your support person to the IVF clinic.
Generally, you have to stay overnight and all accommodations are covered by us. All you have to do is relax in a comfortable environment. The embryo transfer itself takes about ten minute and is a non-surgical procedure. You may be put on bed rest for 24 hours following the transfer. Blood work and the pregnancy tests are done locally to monitor hormone levels.
You will start receiving compensation right after embryo transfer
Two to three weeks after the transfer, a heartbeat ultrasound will be done to confirm the pregnancy. The IVF clinic will continue to supervise you for the coming weeks. Once the pregnancy is in a stable state, you will receive care from a local OB for the rest of the pregnancy.
Our medical team will closely monitor pregnancy progress through constant communication with your OB. Your case manager will be with you at every step of the way. If needed, we will also avail unlimited access to a psychologist for you.
Our team will work with you and the intended parents to create a birth plan to ensure that everyone is on the same page throughout the delivery. This birth plan will be sent to your local hospital’s birth office. All in all, we ensure you and the Intended Parents will focus on the final milestone of your surrogacy journey.